How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take? A Realistic Timeline
"How long will this take?" is usually the second question we get about a kitchen remodel, right after "How much will it cost?" And it makes sense. Your kitchen is the hub of your house, and nobody wants to be eating takeout on the couch longer than they have to.
Here's the honest answer: most kitchen remodels take about 6 to 12 weeks of actual construction. But construction is only part of the timeline. Once you add in planning, ordering materials and permits, the whole process from first meeting to final walkthrough usually takes about 3 to 6 months.
Below is what that timeline really looks like, phase by phase, plus what can speed it up or slow it down here in Tucson.
It depends on the size of the project
Not every kitchen remodel is the same, so here's a rough guide based on scope:
Kitchen refresh (2 to 4 weeks). New countertops, backsplash, paint, hardware or lighting, with your cabinets and layout staying where they are.
Standard remodel (6 to 10 weeks). New cabinets, countertops, flooring and fixtures in the same basic layout.
Full remodel with layout changes (10 to 16+ weeks). Taking out a wall, opening up the kitchen, moving plumbing or electrical, or adding an island with a sink. This is the kind of project we do a lot of, since closed-off kitchens are one of the most common things Tucson homeowners want to fix.
"We are very happy with the partial kitchen remodel done! We had an old concrete countertop, and now a nice granite top."
Cliff L., Google review
The phases of a kitchen remodel
1. Planning and design (2 to 4 weeks)
This is where we walk through your kitchen, talk about what's not working, and land on a layout, materials and budget. You'll get an itemized quote so you know exactly what's included.
The biggest thing you can do to keep your project on schedule happens right here: make your decisions early. Cabinets, countertops, tile, fixtures and appliances should all be picked out before demo day. Changing your mind mid-project is the number one cause of delays.
2. Ordering materials (2 to 8+ weeks)
This is the phase most people don't expect. Stock cabinets can arrive in a few weeks, but semi-custom and custom cabinets can take a couple of months. Specialty appliances and imported tile can take a while too.
We usually wait until the important materials have arrived (or have a confirmed delivery date) before we start tearing anything out. That way you're not stuck without a kitchen while we wait on a shipment.
3. Permits (a few days to several weeks)
If your remodel involves moving plumbing, changing electrical, or taking out a wall, it will need a permit from the City of Tucson or Pima County, depending on where you live. Simple, like-for-like replacements often move quickly, while projects that need a full plan review take longer. We handle the permit process for you and build that time into the schedule.
If you live in an HOA community, you may also need their approval before work starts, so check your HOA's rules early.
4. Demolition (a few days to 1 week)
Out with the old. This is usually the fastest phase, and the most satisfying one. If we're opening up a wall, this is also when we find out what's inside it.
5. Rough-in work and inspections (1 to 2 weeks)
Any new plumbing, electrical and framing goes in at this stage, before the walls are closed up. If your project has a permit, this is when the city inspector comes out to sign off on the work.
6. Drywall, cabinets and countertops (2 to 4 weeks)
This is when it starts looking like a kitchen again. Walls get patched and painted, flooring goes in, and cabinets get installed. Countertops are measured (or "templated") once the cabinets are in, and fabrication usually takes another week or two before they're installed.
"I had new kitchen cabinets installed. They were very professional and got everything done in a timely manner."
Debaria B., Google review
7. Backsplash, fixtures and finishing touches (1 to 2 weeks)
Backsplash tile, sink, faucet, appliances, lighting and hardware all go in. Then we do a final walkthrough together and fix anything that isn't exactly right before we call the job done.
"Alex and his crew did a fabulous job remodeling my kitchen. I absolutely love it!"
Diana V., Google review
What can slow down a kitchen remodel in Tucson
Surprises in older homes. A lot of Tucson homes were built in the '50s through the '80s. When we open up walls, we sometimes find outdated wiring, old galvanized plumbing or past water damage that needs to be fixed before we can move forward. It doesn't happen on every job, but it's worth leaving a little room in your schedule and budget for it.
Changes mid-project. Switching cabinet styles or adding an island after work has started means re-ordering materials and re-planning, which can add weeks.
Material delays. Backorders happen, especially on custom items. Choosing in-stock options is one of the easiest ways to keep things moving.
Permit corrections. If the city asks for changes to the plans, that adds another round of review.
How to make living without a kitchen easier
Set up a temporary kitchen in another room with your fridge (or a mini fridge), a microwave, a coffee maker and an air fryer or electric skillet. Paper plates are your friend. A lot of Tucson homeowners also time their remodel around travel, which works great. We've even finished a full kitchen remodel for homeowners who were out of state for the whole project:
"I contacted them about a year ago to do a major kitchen remodel and they met all expectations and within budget. They even convinced me to allow them to do the deconstruction and construction while we were nearly 2,000 miles away in our home state."
Tom B., Google review
Ready to get started?
True2Form Remodels & Repairs has been remodeling kitchens across Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and the Catalina Foothills for over 12 years. We'll give you a realistic timeline up front and keep you updated along the way, so you always know what's happening and when.
Get a free estimate or check out our kitchen remodeling services to see some of our recent projects. Have more questions? Our FAQ page covers costs, permits and more.